Royal Caribbean just unveiled what will be the new world's largest cruise ship, setting sail in 2024 with 8 'neighborhoods,' a giant water park, and 7 pools

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• Royal Caribbean International has unveiled new renderings of its upcoming Icon of the Seas cruise ship.
• The new 1,198-foot-long mega-ship will be able to accommodate 7,600 guests across its 2,805 staterooms.

Royal Caribbean International has turned its upcoming cruise ship into a family-friendly vacation destination complete with a waterfall, miniature Central Park, and what it says is the largest water park on a cruise ship …

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Source: Royal Caribbean International

… bringing all the amenities of a luxury beachside resort to what will be the world's largest cruise ship.

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The 20-deck Icon of the Seas cruise ship — which first began construction mid-2021 — will begin revenue sailings in January 2024.

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Source: Royal Caribbean International

Bookings for the mega cruise ship's seven-night sailings from Miami to the Caribbeans will open soon.

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But until then, let's indulge in Royal Caribbean's newly released renderings, which show off the Icon of the Seas as a colorful hub of diverse activities for people of all ages, especially children.

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At 1,198 feet long, the upcoming cruise ship's size will be slightly larger than Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, which previously held the title of the world's largest cruise ship.

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Source: Insider

However, the two ships share a handful of similarities, including the concept of "neighborhoods."

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There are eight neighborhoods scattered throughout the Icon of the Seas, five of which are new to the brand.

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If you're looking for a boardwalk-like neighborhood, head to the colorful Surfside for food, a carousel, the arcade, and the teen's club.

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It's also where children can play at the miniature water park while their parents swim at the adults-only pool.

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This is just one of seven pools across the cruise ship. More on those in a bit.

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If you're looking for more of a thrill, head to the aptly named Thrill Island neighborhood.

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It's where you'll find Icon of the Seas' water park, peculiarly named "Category 6," complete with six water slides …

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… including the tallest water slide and three firsts on a cruise ship: the first family raft, mat racing, and "open freefall" water slides.

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Source: Royal Caribbean International

If your appetite for exhilarating activities isn't satisfied yet, there's also the Crown's Edge, a rope and obstacle course that could leave its participants suspended 154 feet above the ocean.

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But if you’d rather stay closer to the cruise ship’s water, spend the afternoon on the surf simulator instead.

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Tired of exhilarating activities? Check out the inverse neighborhood: Chill Island.

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Here, there are no water slides or extreme sports.

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Instead, there's a swim-up bar, an adults only area, and several pools ...

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... including the largest pool at sea, according to the cruise line.

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Or go to the Icon of the Sea's beach club in the Hideaway neighborhood …

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... where there's yet another pool — this one's an infinity pool — and several levels of terraces, jacuzzis, and outdoor lounges.

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For many cruise fans, part of the fun of going on a cruise ship is seeing the nighttime entertainment.

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But instead of the typical musical or song-and-dance performance …

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… the Icon of the Seas' onboard entertainment in the AquaDome neighborhood's AquaTheater will include a water show with divers and dancers.

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Besides the theater, the AquaDome is also home to the ship's waterfall and some restaurants, lounges, and bars (not shown below).

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If you're familiar with Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, you'll already recognize the remaining three neighborhoods.

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Source: Insider

The Royal Promenade is still home to lounges, food and beverage concepts, and the ice skating show ...

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… while the cruise ship's nod to New York City, the Central Park neighborhood, has additional food and entertainment concepts.

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If you're staying in a suite you'll get access to the more exclusive four-deck Suite neighborhood, which is decked out with a two-floor restaurant and more outdoor lounges.

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There are over 40 restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues aboard the Icon of the Seas, ensuring every passenger has a packed day from morning into late at night.

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With this many venues, there's a chance you won't eat a repeat meal.

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To fill all of these food, beverage, and entertainment concepts, the mega cruise ship will accommodate up to 7,600 guests across its 2,805 staterooms ...

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... which doesn't include the rooms for the additional 2,350 crew members.

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There are 28 stateroom categories including some that'll be just as grand as the rest of the ship.

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The Ultimate Family Townhouse is like a small family retreat inside of a three-level stateroom complete with a slide, movie room, and terrace with a hot tub …

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… while the Family Infinity Balcony and Surfise Family Suite has a section just for children.

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But no matter where you stay, the Icon of the Seas will have enough family-friendly activities to keep any passenger entertained for its week-long itinerary.

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Seven days at sea may seem long, but at least you'll have a floating city to explore at your leisure.

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